Learn Italian Software: How to Choose the Italian Learning Program That is Best for You
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Written by: dannyc.miller
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Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2011 |
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When buying an Italian language learning program, don't make a decision based on price, marketing claims, or on what your best friend has told you. Why? Because different types of programs work better for different types of people. This article is going to categorize the different types of Italian learning programs on the market, and it is going to show you how to choose the best one for you.
Types of Italian Language Learning Software
After having tried and reviewed all of the major Italian learning programs, I can categorize them into three groups: Audio-based, structure-based, and consumer-friendly.
Audio-Based courses
Audio-based Italian courses are, like the name implies, 100% audio-based. Their objectives are simple. They are designed to teach you how to speak the Italian language. With these courses, you will not learn to read, write, or understand Italian grammar. There are no written dialogues. There are no vocabulary games, and there are no graphics. You jump in and start speaking Italian from day one, immersion style. Some of these programs are offered as online subscriptions, where you pay monthly to login and use the audio recordings. Others are sold as downloadable MP3's or CD boxed sets.
Structure-Based Courses
Structure-based programs employ a different learning strategy than audio-based courses. Instead of relying on total immersion, they give you a base from which you transition into speaking. For example, before taking part in a conversation, you complete activities designed to teach you vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure. These programs also feature less structured learning environments. You are given lots of learning games, activities and assessments. You focus on the activities that help you improve in there areas you need the most help in, usually in order to pass the tests. Then you move on. Some of these courses are available online, but most are shipped as DVD boxed sets.
Consumer-Friendly Courses
Consumer-friendly courses are what I consider to be the new breed of Italian language learning programs. They are communication-based, like 100% audio courses, but they also include vocabulary learning games, grammar and structure exercises, and Italian culture lessons. Most importantly, they make full use of the Internet. One way they do this is by creating Italian language forums. These forums facilitate learning, of course, but they also encourage and motivate users by creating a virtual space for like-minded learners of the Italian language.
Choosing a Course
You must ask yourself three questions when choosing your Italian language learning program.
1. What is my personal learning style?
Some people are great audio learners. If that's you, you'll do very well with a 100% audio course. Others learn much better using hands-on activities like word puzzles, sentence reconstruction activities, and picture-word association games. If that's you, you may want to go with a structure-based course. If you don't lean heavily in either of those directions, a more balanced consumer-friendly course may be best for you.
2. Do I prefer step-by-step learning?
Having been a language instructor and textbook author for many years, I can tell you that this question is very important, and it's one that you must answer honestly. Some people are very disciplined and are comfortable learning on their own. Others, however, need a bit more hand holding. If you need structured, step-by-step learning, you should go with an Italian learning program that is either audio-based or consumer-friendly. The Italian structure-based programs that I have reviewed focus on the structure of the language, but they do not provide nearly as much structured learning.
3. What are my learning goals?
Each of the three styles of Italian learning programs is better suited to certain learning goals. If your Italian language learning goal is to be able to communicate the basics verbally, for example, if you're taking a summer trip to Italy, then an audio-based course is going to be great for you. You won't waste any time learning complex grammar structures that you don't care about. If you are looking to gain a deep understanding of the Italian language, on the other hand, an audio-based course won't cut it. You'll want a structure-based course that digs deeper into the language. That leaves us with the consumer-based Italian courses. I've labeled them "consumer-based" because I think they hit a learning sweet spot that is suitable for most learners of the Italian language. They offer an audio-based component designed to get you speaking, and they offer basic instruction in regards to Italian language grammar and structure, and they teach a bit about Italian culture.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Italian language program can be difficult, as there are so many to choose from. When completing research for your purchase, categorize the programs. Are they 100% audio-based, structure-based, or consumer-friendly? After that, ask yourself what type of learner you are, whether or not you need step-by-step learning, and what your learning goals are. Then use this information to make an informed purchasing decision. Do this and you'll get the Italian learning program that is just right for you.
Visit my site now to learn which Italian language programs fit into each of the above-mentioned categories.
Also, be sure to bookmark my language learning blog. You'll get the best language learning tips and tricks on the web!
Source: Learn Italian Software: How to Choose the Italian Learning Program That is Best for You
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